Phil is a former Marine with the Marine expeditionary forces and a quality control inspector for Raytheon Corporation, missile systems division. After graduation from Elizabethton technical schools architectural drafting and design program in 1972 he has worked in the architectural or construction industry in various positions. He began his career at interstate development in January 2003. Phil and wife Peggy celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2019 and have two children Travis and Michelle, two grandsons and two granddaughters. They enjoy family time, work at their church, gold mining, and travel.